What Is the Most Scenic Train Route in America?

The most scenic train route in America isn’t just about passing by pretty landscapes-it’s about being inside them. You’re not just watching mountains roll by; you’re riding through them, with snow-capped peaks pressing close on one side and deep river gorges yawning on the other. The California Zephyr isn’t just a train ride. It’s a moving postcard that takes you from the flatlands of Chicago all the way to the Pacific Coast, cutting through the heart of the American West in a way no car or plane ever could.

Why the California Zephyr Stands Alone

Amtrak’s California Zephyr runs daily between Chicago and Emeryville, near San Francisco. It covers 2,438 miles over 51 hours, and for good reason, it’s been called the most beautiful train ride in North America by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure. But what makes it different from other routes isn’t just the distance-it’s the variety. You start in the Midwest, cross the Great Plains, climb into the Rocky Mountains, slice through the Sierra Nevada, and end near the foggy shores of the Pacific. Few journeys in the world shift landscapes so dramatically in such a short time.

The route through the Rockies alone is worth the trip. Between Denver and Salt Lake City, the train climbs over 9,000 feet at the Moffat Tunnel and then drops into the Colorado River Valley. You’ll see red rock canyons, frozen waterfalls, and abandoned mining towns frozen in time. Then comes the highlight: the Glenwood Canyon section. Here, the train hugs the edge of the Colorado River, threading through narrow cliffs where the water rushes white below. You can watch kayakers navigate the rapids from your window seat-something no highway can offer.

The Alaska Railroad: Where Nature Rules

If you’re looking for raw, untouched wilderness, the Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star route is unmatched. It runs from Anchorage to Fairbanks, passing through Denali National Park, where grizzly bears roam freely and the 20,310-foot peak of Denali dominates the skyline. Unlike the California Zephyr, this route doesn’t have luxury dining cars or sleeper suites with private bathrooms. But it doesn’t need to. The scenery here doesn’t ask for comfort-it demands awe.

On clear days, the glass-domed cars make you feel like you’re floating above the tundra. You’ll pass frozen lakes reflecting the sky, boreal forests heavy with snow, and the occasional train of moose crossing the tracks. The train stops at designated wildlife viewing areas, letting passengers step out for a few minutes with park rangers pointing out animal tracks and eagle nests. This isn’t a tour-it’s a front-row seat to one of the last wild places on Earth.

Rocky Mountaineer: Luxury Meets Landscape

Though it runs mostly in Canada, the Rocky Mountaineer is often mentioned alongside American scenic routes because it’s the gold standard for luxury rail travel in North America. Its SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf services offer all-inclusive meals, floor-to-ceiling windows, and open-air vestibules where you can stand and feel the mountain air. The route from Banff to Vancouver cuts through the Canadian Rockies, but many travelers combine it with a short Amtrak leg to reach the starting point.

What sets Rocky Mountaineer apart is the attention to detail. Hot meals are served on fine china. Guides point out wildlife and geology in real time. At night, you sleep in boutique hotels-not train cars. It’s expensive, yes, but for those who want to experience the Rockies without roughing it, nothing else comes close.

Other Notable Routes That Almost Made the Cut

There are other scenic rides worth mentioning. The Empire Builder runs from Chicago to Seattle or Portland, skirting the northern edge of the Rockies and crossing the vast Montana prairies. It’s quieter, less crowded, and has a more rugged charm. Then there’s the Southwest Chief, which traces the old Santa Fe Trail from Chicago to Los Angeles, passing through the painted deserts of New Mexico and the high plains of Arizona. It’s less dramatic than the Zephyr, but rich in history.

The Grand Canyon Railway is a short but iconic trip from Williams, Arizona, to the South Rim. It’s more of a tourist attraction than a cross-country journey, but the views of the canyon as you approach are unforgettable. And for those who want coastal views, the Pacific Surfliner hugs the California shoreline between San Diego and Santa Barbara, with whale sightings in winter and surfers catching waves right below the tracks.

What You’ll Actually Experience Onboard

Don’t expect a high-speed bullet train. These are slow, deliberate journeys. The California Zephyr averages just 45 miles per hour. That’s by design. Speed would ruin the view. The cars are wide, with oversized windows and reclining seats that let you lie back and stare at the sky. Wi-Fi is spotty, cell service vanishes in the canyons, and that’s part of the appeal. You’re forced to look up, to notice the way the light hits the snow at 6 a.m., or how the shadows stretch across the desert at dusk.

Food service is included in the ticket price on most long-distance Amtrak routes. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the dining car. The menu isn’t gourmet, but it’s solid-think grilled salmon, beef stew, fresh fruit, and real coffee. If you upgrade to a sleeper car, you get a private room with a bed, sink, and toilet. For couples or solo travelers looking for peace, it’s worth the extra cost.

When to Go

Timing matters. The California Zephyr is best in late spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October). Summer brings crowds and thunderstorms in the Rockies. Winter can mean delays due to snow, but the snow-covered peaks are stunning if you don’t mind slower travel. The Alaska Railroad runs only from April to September, so plan ahead. The Rocky Mountaineer operates from April to October, with peak season in July and August.

If you’re aiming for fall colors, the Southwest Chief in October delivers golden aspen groves against red rock. For winter wonderland views, the Empire Builder in December offers silent prairies and frozen lakes under pale sunlight.

How to Book and What It Costs

Amtrak tickets start around $150 for coach seating on the California Zephyr. Sleeper cars begin at $600 and include meals and private accommodations. Rocky Mountaineer packages start at $1,500 per person for a two-day journey, and that’s just for the train portion-hotels and transfers are extra. Alaska Railroad tickets range from $100 for coach to $400 for dome cars.

Book early. These routes fill up months in advance, especially during peak season. Amtrak offers discounts for seniors, students, and military. If you’re flexible, consider traveling midweek-weekends are packed with tourists.

What to Pack

• Layers-temperatures swing from hot deserts to freezing mountain passes
• A good camera with a telephoto lens for wildlife
• Binoculars-many animals and landmarks are far from the window
• Books or audiobooks-there’s no Wi-Fi, but there’s plenty of time
• Snacks-while meals are included, extra granola bars help when you’re hungry between stops
• Comfortable shoes-you’ll want to stretch your legs at stops

Final Thought: It’s Not Just a Ride

There are faster ways to get from point A to point B. But the California Zephyr, the Alaska Railroad, and the other great American scenic routes aren’t about speed. They’re about presence. They’re about watching the sun rise over the Rockies while sipping coffee in a train car that’s been running since 1949. They’re about seeing a bighorn sheep on a cliffside and realizing you’re one of maybe ten people who saw it that day.

This isn’t tourism. It’s slow travel at its best. And in a world that moves too fast, that’s the real luxury.